Hazelnut (Corylus avellana 'Red Dragon')
Corylus avellana 'Red Dragon' is a dazzling Hazelnut shrub featuring deep burgundy leaves and contorted branches for dynamic winter interest.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ is a striking cultivar of the European Hazelnut, prized primarily for its outstanding ornamental foliage and architectural structure. This selection distinguishes itself with deeply saturated dark burgundy to maroon leaves that hold their color well throughout the summer, offering significant visual impact in any landscape. In late winter, its light red male catkins emerge before the leaves, adding an unexpected touch of color when little else is active.
As a moderately vigorous shrub, the namesake Hazelnut typically matures around 5 to 6 feet tall and wide within ten years, providing excellent structure for mixed borders. Beyond the seasonal color, a key feature of Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ is its twisted, or contorted, branching pattern, which provides fantastic visual appeal during dormancy.
The low maintenance required and its adaptability make this selection a valuable anchor for garden designs seeking year-round interest without intensive care. Gardeners should note that while it is a Hazelnut, nut production is unlikely without a compatible pollinator nearby, as ‘Red Dragon’ does not self-pollinate.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Betulaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-6 ft
- Spread: 5-6 ft
- Bloom Time: February to March
- Bloom Description: Light red male catkins
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ is best achieved during the dormant season—early spring or fall—to minimize transplant shock. Ensure the location provides full sun to light afternoon shade, which helps maintain that coveted dark purple leaf coloration. This Hazelnut thrives in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of average garden conditions, though heavy clay soils should be avoided entirely.
Water needs are medium; maintain consistent moisture, especially while the plant establishes its root system. Fertilization is rarely required if ample organic matter is present in the soil. Because many specimens are grafted onto standard Corylus avellana rootstock, diligent care involves promptly removing any root suckers that emerge below the graft union to maintain the desired purple-leaved form.
Pruning should be minimal, focusing only on structural improvements or maintenance. Immediately excise any stems that have reverted, losing their signature purple leaf color or the characteristic twisting formation. This vigilant pruning ensures the aesthetic appeal of your Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ is preserved, highlighting its unique, contorted structure during winter.
Landscape Uses
The structural elements of Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ make it an excellent specimen plant, drawing the eye even in winter months due to its contorted branches. Consider positioning it near evergreen shrubs or broadleaf evergreens which provide a contrasting backdrop for the dark foliage during the growing season. It functions beautifully as a structural anchor in foundation plantings where its relatively compact size (5-6 ft) prevents overwhelming smaller architecture.
For mixed borders, the deep burgundy foliage offers superb depth and contrast against lighter green, chartreuse, or even silver-leaved plants. When placed at woodland edges, this Hazelnut integrates well, echoing the dappled light and texture associated with natural thickets where wild types are often found. Though it can produce a few nuts, its primary value remains strictly ornamental rather than agricultural.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Corylus avellana, commonly called European filbert or Hazelnut, is typically seen as a thicket-forming, multi-trunked shrub native across Europe and Asia. Its flowers appear early in late winter before leaves emerge, featuring somewhat showy, pale yellowish-gray male catkins. The cultivar ‘Red Dragon’ specifically offers a moderately vigorous habit where the foliage emerges dark burgundy and maintains this saturated tone. Furthermore, ‘Red Dragon’ is noted for its desirable twisted branching and wavy leaf appearance, often leading to its alternate common name, “contorted hazelnut.” Note that this selection will not self-pollinate its few potential nuts.
Tolerances
- Tolerates average garden soils
Potential Problems
Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ is celebrated for having increased resistance to the devastating filbert blight, which is a major advantage, especially compared to standard commercial Hazelnut varieties. However, growers should remain vigilant for infrequent issues such as black knot or crown gall, which are fungal or bacterial infections affecting woody growth. Leaf spot diseases can occur, and occasionally, sucking insects like scale may take hold. In some regions, Japanese beetles have been observed vigorously attacking the foliage, requiring topical treatments if infestation levels become severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Hazelnut (Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’) suitable for?
Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ is highly adaptable, thriving across USDA Zones 3 through 9.
How large does Hazelnut (Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’) grow?
At maturity, this selection typically reaches a height between 5 and 6 feet, with a comparable spread of 5 to 6 feet.
What sun exposure does Hazelnut (Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’) need?
For the best performance, especially leaf color saturation, this plant requires full sun, though it tolerates light partial shade.
When does Hazelnut (Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’) bloom?
Bloom time is late winter to early spring, specifically February to March, when its light red male catkins appear on the bare branches.
Conclusion
Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ provides exceptional year-round interest through its dark burgundy foliage during summer and fascinating contorted structure throughout winter. This low-maintenance Hazelnut is a distinctive choice for adding architectural texture and deep color contrast to your garden space. Before planting, confirm that your site’s soil drainage is adequate and check if you are located within USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions enhances the visual appeal of the dark foliage on Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’. Pair it with plants offering silvery or light green foliage to maximize the contrast during the growing season. Plants like Hostas with chartreuse or silver leaves, or certain cultivars of Japanese Forest Grass, create fantastic textural differences against the dense, dark purple leaves of the Hazelnut.
Because this plant prefers moist, rich soil, select companion plants that share similar medium water needs and soil structure preferences. Avoid pairing it with highly drought-tolerant species, as keeping the Hazelnut happy will necessitate more consistent moisture, which could stress drier companions.
Design Ideas for Contorted Forms
The primary design value of Corylus avellana ‘Red Dragon’ lies in its form, particularly during winter dormancy. Place it where it can be viewed across a lawn or from a window, allowing the twisting branches to become a focal point against a snow-covered background or a simple fence line. It serves exceptionally well as a specimen near entryways where its seasonal performance can be appreciated up close.
For formal structure, massing this shrub near a clean, modern hardscape element can emphasize its organic, swirling nature. If you are aiming for a woodland garden feel, plant it adjacent to taller, dark-barked deciduous trees, allowing the shrub’s unique silhouette to provide foreground interest beneath the canopy.
